Ten Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Company

Choosing the right web company to build or redesign your website is a big decision. A good website can help grow your business, improve your customer experience, and build credibility—but the wrong partner can lead to frustration, wasted money, and missed opportunities. Before signing a contract, ask these ten essential questions to ensure you’re making the right choice.

1. Can You Show Me Examples of Your Work?

Reviewing a company’s portfolio gives you insight into their design style, technical skill, and experience. Look for variety, responsiveness, and quality.

Why It Matters: Past work can reveal if their style and capabilities align with your goals.

2. What Services Are Included in Your Web Design Package (and What Extra Costs Might I Incur)?

Some companies offer just design, while others include development, SEO setup, content writing, or ongoing maintenance.

Why It Matters: Knowing what you’re paying for helps you avoid hidden costs later.

3. What Platform Will My Website Be Built On?

Ask whether your site will be built on WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, a custom CMS, or another platform.

Why It Matters: The platform affects how easy it is to update, maintain, or move your site later.

4. Will I Be Able to Edit the Website Myself?

Some designers offer full content control; others may charge for updates.

Why It Matters: If you plan to update content regularly, easy access is essential.

6. Who Owns the Website, Web Hosting and Domain?

Clarify whether you’ll have full ownership of your site, domain, and content once it’s launched.

Why It Matters: You should retain control of your digital assets, not be locked in with a web designer or web or domain host.

7. What is Your Education and Experience in Web Design and Development?

Have they been doing this a long time or are they just starting out? Are they self-taught or educated? Is their concentration more toward design, development or content? If a large web firm, ask how many people will be working on it and if there will be one project lead.

Why It Matters: A balanced website focuses on all three aspects, but at the end of the day, the content is king. You want a web company that will work with you to develop a strategic approach to content that connects with your target audience, with design and development to support it.

8. What Kind of Support (turnaround, cost) can I expect?

Some companies offer training, support, or maintenance plans after launch.

Why It Matters: Knowing what kind of post-launch help is available helps you plan for the future.

9. What Are Your Ongoing Services and What Are the Costs?

A quality web company should offer some form of ongoing service. This could include updating software or plugins, fixing bugs, improving security, and adding new features as your business grows.

Why It Matters: Websites aren’t “set it and forget it” tools. They need attention over time to remain effective and secure. The designer should be readily available to troubleshoot issues, answer questions or make edits as needed.

10. How Long Will the Project Take?

Timelines vary based on project complexity. Make sure they can commit to a reasonable schedule.

Why It Matters: Delays can cost your business time and money.